The People's Pharmacy® with Joe and Terry Graedon

I succumbed to cystitis at least 4 or 5 times a year until my Dr. told me that I was not drinking enough water... and he was right. He told me to carry a large bottle of Evain water with me all day and take frequent small sips and after finishing that bottle start another until I was taking in at least two bottles of water a day... Well not only did I never get cystitis again but I lost 14 lbs. !!!

When I did get cystitis Bactrim DS was prescribed and it was very effective. However, on one occasion the pharmacist gave me a generic instead of the BDS and it didn't work at all... after three days of taking the generic pills I was back at the hospital sicker than ever. The BDS was given to me but it took several days before any relief was forthcoming.

I am all too familiar with Cystitis. Starting in my mid 20's I have gone from ending up in the hospital for a week in my late 20's with bleeding bladder ulcers to my late 60's and still having irritation from time to time. I must admit that I do not drink a lot of water, tho I am trying to correct that.

What broke the cycle, when in my 30's was using 3 antibiotics succesivly--each for 2 weeks at a time. Had previously tried numerous Dialations and washing the bladder out with Argyrol and of course x-rays to determine a malformation. It was suggested a partial blockage but only that one time. The Antibiotics seemed to slow things down to perhaps 2-3 times a year and now even tho I have some burning, my last urine test did not show an infection so perhaps at my age it is due to hormonal changes. Will have another test when i see the PA next week.

I had an occasional UTI during my childbearing years. However, after menopause one UTI closely followed another. Friends suggested drinking acidic juices, lemonade, or taking AZO cramberry pills, none of which helped. My urologist said he gave me "gold standard care with a cystoscopy and CT scan." No preventive measures seem to work until I began taking 500 mg. of vitamin C daily. This has kept me out of the urologist's office.

I have had recurrent and severe cystitis since my teens. I am now in my late seventies. Initially, antibiotics were effective in treating them. Eventually, I became allergic to all antibiotics. I discovered a naturopathic medicine called D-mannose a couple of years ago. I now have no more trouble with infection; however I do have a bit of nocturnal incontinence. But pain is a thing of the past and I am able to lead a normal life.